After numerous COVID setbacks, cast changes, and weather cancellations, the Chester High School stage production of "Tuck Everlasting" is ready to open next week. The show runs Thursday to Saturday, March 17-19, with performances at 7 p.m. nightly and a 1 p.m. matinee Saturday, March 19.
"This is my first time directing a play, so everything has been very challenging and new for me. For the kids, some are new to the stage also, so we are learning and growing together this year," said Rana Hodge, the new sophomore English teacher at CHS, who also accepted the role of theater director.
"Not only are some of the cast and crew members new to theater, they are also having to adjust to me as their theater director. I have some very good and talented cast members, however, and they have been adjusting well and are doing a great job."
"Tuck Everlasting," based on the 1975 children's novel by Natalie Babbitt, tells a story about immortality. Based in 1800, the plot follows 10-year-old Winifred "Winnie" Foster and her friendship with a mysterious young man, Jesse Tuck, who lives with his family in the woods near her home.
The cast includes Julia Venus (Winnie), Salem Heins (Jesse), Emma Bryant (Mae), Noah Wetzel (Angus), Kaleb Rehmer (Miles), Kaci Trost (The Stranger in the Yellow Suit), Nico DeGuzman (The Constable), Ary Shipley (Granny) and Haley Hoskin (The Voice).
The seven-person crew includes T.J. Lyons, assistant director/soundtrack coordinator; Emma Bryant, set manager; Abby Bollman, props manager; Oddessy Flores, wardrobe and makeup director; Aden McFarland, mics and lights manager; and Isaiah Ferrell, social media manager.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under 12. Tickets are available from any student involved in the production or at the school office, (618) 826-2302.
